Single point release mechanism for adjustable decking

Abstract

An adjustable cargo support system comprising: at least one pair of spaced apart tracks that are generally vertically oriented proximate at least one wall of a transport vehicle; at least one support cross member with two ends and an intermediate portion therebetween; and a means for adjusting a height of the support cross member, which includes one actuator device that is generally located between the support cross member ends, so that a user adjust the height of the support cross member at a central location, thereby allowing the support cross member to be moved generally vertically without the user alternatingly having to move one end of the support cross member and then the other end of the support cross member.

1. An adjustable cargo support system comprising:
 a) at least one pair of spaced apart tracks that are generally vertically oriented and proximate to opposing walls of a transport vehicle; 
 b) at least one support cross member with two ends and an intermediate portion therebetween, each of the at least one support cross members comprising:
 i) a lock mounted to each of the two ends of the at least one support cross member; and 
 ii) a lock actuating device, located in the intermediate portion, for adjusting a height of the support cross member; 
 iii) one or more tensioning devices located within the at least one support cross member; 
 
 c) a guide shoe on the ends of the at least one support cross member and movably connected to each of the at least one pair of spaced apart tracks, wherein the locks are mounted on the at least one guide shoe and are movably connected to the at least one pair of spaced apart tracks; and 
 d) an operating rod
 wherein the one or more tensioning devices are a cam mechanism having a key hole therein for receiving the operating rod; 
 wherein the lock actuating device is located inside the at least one support cross member and operatively connected to the one or more locks by way of the cam mechanism; and 
 wherein the operating rod is inserted into the key hole and into communication with the lock actuating device so that the locks are moved simultaneously so that the at least one support cross member is moved upend down along the one or more tracks; and 
 wherein lock actuating device includes one actuator device that is generally located between the support cross member ends, and in communication with the one or more tensioning devices located within the at least one support cross member so that a user can adjust the height of the support cross member at the intermediate portion by simultaneously actuating the locks mounted to each of the two ends of the at least one support cross member, thereby allowing the support cross member to be moved generally vertically without the user alternatingly having to move one end of the support cross member and then the other end of the support cross member. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The adjustable cargo support system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one support cross member includes an additional extrusion chamber. 
     
     
       3. The adjustable cargo support system of  claim 1 , wherein the lock actuator device is generally slack when connected to the ends of the at least one support cross member. 
     
     
       4. The adjustable cargo system of  claim 3 , wherein the one or more tensioning devices span the width of the at least one support cross member. 
     
     
       5. The adjustable cargo system of  claim 3 , wherein the adjustable cargo system includes two tensioning devices and the tensioning devices are located equal distance from a key hole so that when a force is applied the tensioning devices are equally contacted so that an even force is distributed between the locks mounted to each of the two ends of the at least one support cross member, and
 wherein the two tensioning devices are doughnut shaped and the lock actuating device runs through a center of the two tensioning devices. 
 
     
     
       6. The adjustable cargo support system of  claim 1 , wherein by applying a force to the lock actuating device causes tension in the lock actuating device and actuates the locks. 
     
     
       7. The adjustable cargo support system a  claim 6 , wherein the one lock actuating device has two discrete pieces that are attached on opposing sides of the cam mechanism and span the full length of the at least one support cross member so that when the cam mechanism is rotated the lock actuating device actuates the locks. 
     
     
       8. The adjustable cargo support system of  claim 1 , wherein applying a torsional force to the lock actuating device causes tension in the lock actuating device so that the locks are actuated. 
     
     
       9. The adjustable cargo support system of  claim 1 , wherein the lock actuating device is located proximate to the center of the support cross member. 
     
     
       10. The adjustable cargo support system of  claim 1 , further including a reinforcing structure in the at least one support cross member so that apertures formed in the at least one support cross member for accessing the actuating device retain integrity. 
     
     
       11. The adjustable cargo support system of  claim 1 , wherein the system is retrofitted into an existing support cross member. 
     
     
       12. A method of moving the support cross member of  claim 1  comprising:
 a) inserting the operating rod into the key hole in the cam mechanism; 
 b) moving the cam mechanism and the lock actuating device that is connected to the cam mechanism; 
 c) moving the one or more locks mounted on ends of the support cross member that are connected to the lock actuating device; 
 d) moving the support cross member; and 
 e) releasing the cam mechanism so that the one or more locks secure the support cross member to one or more tracks. 
 
     
     
       13. The method of moving the support cross member of  claim 12 , further including applying a torsional force to the lock actuating device. 
     
     
       14. A method of moving the support cross member of  claim 1  comprising:
 a) operating a lock actuating tensioning mechanism; 
 b) simultaneously moving the locks mounted on ends of the support cross member that are connected to a lock actuating device; 
 c) moving the support cross member; and 
 d) releasing the lock actuating tensioning mechanism so that the one or more locks secure the support cross member to one or more tracks. 
 
     
     
       15. The method of moving the support cross member of  claim 14 , further including applying a torsional force to the lock actuating device. 
     
     
       16. A method of moving the support cross member of  claim 1  comprising:
 a) locking the support cross member to the pair of generally opposed and vertically oriented tracks by way of the locks located at ends of the support cross member; 
 b) operatively engaging the locks with the one or more tensioning devices of the support cross member; 
 c) applying a force to the lock actuating and the tensioning device of the support cross member to release the locks so that both ends of the support cross members can be raised and low red simultaneously. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of moving the support cross member of  claim 16 , further including applying a torsional force to the lock actuating device.